A storm system descending out of the Pacific Northwest will generate rain — and light snowfall at higher elevations — across the Inland Empire beginning Tuesday evening, with another system anticipated for the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
“The main band of rainfall is still on track to move through Wednesday morning through mid-afternoon,” the NWS said in a statement. “Light to moderate rain is expected in the rain band, and rainfall rates will mainly range from .1 to .2 inches per hour.”
The Riverside metropolitan area is predicted to receive about a quarter inch of precipitation as the trough of low pressure lurches eastward. Lingering scattered showers are also expected Thursday, followed by clearing on Friday and most of Saturday, the weather service said.
“Snow levels during the highest chance of precipitation are expected to be 6,500 to 7,000 feet,” the NWS stated. “The latest forecast has one to three inches of snow from Tuesday night through Thursday for most locations. Higher accumulations will be above 7,000 feet.”
Another series of troughs are winding down from the Gulf of Alaska behind a cold front, likely to sweep across the inland region Saturday night and Sunday, with lingering impacts going into Monday of next week, forecasters said.
No precipitation amounts have been estimated yet, but as forecast models crystallize, meteorologists were expected to start making predictions.
Tuesday the Riverside metropolitan area’s daytime high will top out around 70, with an overnight low in the low 50s. For the remainder of the week, highs will remain restrained due to the inclement conditions, with daytime temps in the mid 60s and lows in the upper 40s.
In the Coachella Valley, Tuesday’s high will peak around 80, falling into the mid 50s overnight. From Wednesday to Saturday, highs will crest in the low 70s and bottom out in the low 50s.
The Temecula Valley’s temperature range will be less than the rest, owing to coastal influences. Forecasters said Tuesday’s high will reach the upper 60s, followed by a low around 50. From Wednesday to Saturday, highs will hover in the low to mid 60s, with the mercury dropping into the upper 30s at night.